Making the
most of

hot summer

weather

We instinctively think that ‘fresh air’ must be good for us but what do we mean by it and what are the real benefits? The reality for many people, especially those living in cities, is that the air outside their home may be far from fresh and, instead, full of traffic pollutants or industrial waste. What most of us really mean by fresh air is simply getting out to explore the world, where there is plenty to watch and interact with. City streets can be really interesting of course, but green spaces, whether parks or open countryside, are undoubtedly better for your health. They are less likely to be polluted and more likely to give you and your dog a chance to run free in a safe area.

​

Jump in the car or get on a bus and get out of town, or simply explore some new countryside walks if you already live in a rural area. Check the regulations about taking a dog on the local public transport system. Rules vary from service to service but National Rail, for example, allow up to 2 dogs per passenger on their trains without extra charge, although you must keep them on a lead or in a carrier, and they mustn’t take up a seat or misbehave. Transport for London allows dogs to travel on the tube but the escalators can be a problem for little paws, so make sure to carry them as you go. Some tube stations have stairs. Guide dogs or assistance dogs are usually welcome and free of charge, although you may be advised where to sit.

One of the main benefits of getting out is the chance to get some exercise. For humans and animals, exercise is good for every system of the body. It strengthens muscles and bones, boosts the immune system and is great for keeping your mood stable and positive.

The sights and smells of the outside world stimulate the senses and exercise the mind too. Dogs love a good sniff around to see what’s been going on, even if their human friends prefer more refined smells. Do some research before you go, to pinpoint a local park or country house with a garden where you can enjoy the scents of plants or flowers – roses relax and lavender lowers anxiety while the smell of pine oils reduces stress. Even if it’s raining, the smells of the outside world can be inspiring. Many people enjoy the scent of a rainstorm itself, with its mix of fresh zingy ozone, aromatic plant oils, and earthy hints of geosmin (a by-product of bacteria and algae that is stirred up as rain hits earth and plant surfaces).

​

Be careful if the weather is particularly hot because both humans and dogs can easily overheat or get sunburned. People with fair or red colouring need to be especially careful not to burn, and most of us need to limit sun exposure, cover up, put on a hat, and regularly apply suncream to block ultraviolet rays. Although many dogs have a thick layer of hairy fur to protect their skin, some are more susceptible to the sun. These include white haired dogs, who tend to have pale skin beneath their fur, and thin-furred or hairless breeds. Just as human noses and ear tips are more exposed and likely to burn, dogs can easily burn the areas of skin surrounding their noses, on their ears and their bellies. When it is very hot, avoid walks in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest, and make sure your pet can always find shade and water when they need it. While slapping on your own sun cream, apply pet-friendly sun cream to the tips of their nose and ears, and to areas of the belly where hair is thin. Be careful too of walking on hot tarmac or paths that might burn delicate paw pads.

Spending too much time out in the heat can result in heat exhaustion, where excessive amounts of water and salts are lost from the body, causing symptoms such as feeling weak, tired or faint, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and intense thirst. In more extreme cases, the body may lose its ability to cool itself. This is called heat stroke, and it can be life-threatening for people and pets. In hot conditions, stop frequently for fluids (water is best – remember to pack a water bowl for your dog) and rest in the shade. Watch your dog closely for signs that they are struggling with the heat and make sure you take steps to prevent them overheating. Dogs control their temperature mostly through respiration as they don’t sweat like humans. If they are struggling to control their temperature you will see them panting furiously.

​

​

Cool the skin down with a wet sponge or rag on the neck, armpits, ear flaps, paw pads or belly, and fan the damp skin to encourage the water to evaporate for an extra cooling effect. Get immediate help if humans or animals become confused, less responsive, collapse or have a seizure. Put them in a safe position flat on the ground (like the recovery position for humans), loosen clothing and continue to sponge with water.

Getting out to see the world is good for us all, and with a little preparation you are very unlikely to come to any harm.

 

Making the most of

hot summer weather

Thousands of years ago, humans spent much of their time outdoors. However, as our ancestors migrated north from their roots in Africa to colder climes, so they built shelters and hid away more in warm protective dwellings. Now people in developed countries spend at least 90% of their time indoors. But our bodies are built for fresh air and sunlight, and the inspiration of nature around us. The same goes for our pets, especially dogs.

So to stay healthy, humans and their companions need to get out as much as possible. To stretch your muscles, to top up vitamin D levels and to nurture your sense of community, you need to pull your boots on and experience the world outside. And now that it’s summer, even the cold shouldn’t be an excuse (although the British rain might mean that you need a good waterproof!)

Making the most of

hot summer weather

Thousands of years ago, humans spent much of their time outdoors. However, as our ancestors migrated north from their roots in Africa to colder climes, so they built shelters and hid away more in warm protective dwellings. Now people in developed countries spend at least 90% of their time indoors. But our bodies are built for fresh air and sunlight, and the inspiration of nature around us. The same goes for our pets, especially dogs.

​

So to stay healthy, humans and their companions need to get out as much as possible. To stretch your muscles, to top up vitamin D levels and to nurture your sense of community, you need to pull your boots on and experience the world outside. And now that it’s summer, even the cold shouldn’t be an excuse (although the British rain might mean that you need a good waterproof!)

We instinctively think that ‘fresh air’ must be good for us but what do we mean by it and what are the real benefits? The reality for many people, especially those living in cities, is that the air outside their home may be far from fresh and, instead, full of traffic pollutants or industrial waste. What most of us really mean by fresh air is simply getting out to explore the world, where there is plenty to watch and interact with. City streets can be really interesting of course, but green spaces, whether parks or open countryside, are undoubtedly better for your health. They are less likely to be polluted and more likely to give you and your dog a chance to run free in a safe area.

​

Jump in the car or get on a bus and get out of town, or simply explore some new countryside walks if you already live in a rural area. Check the regulations about taking a dog on the local public transport system. Rules vary from service to service but National Rail, for example, allow up to 2 dogs per passenger on their trains without extra charge, although you must keep them on a lead or in a carrier, and they mustn’t take up a seat or misbehave. Transport for London allows dogs to travel on the tube but the escalators can be a problem for little paws, so make sure to carry them as you go. Some tube stations have stairs. Guide dogs or assistance dogs are usually welcome and free of charge, although you may be advised where to sit.

One of the main benefits of getting out is the chance to get some exercise. For humans and animals, exercise is good for every system of the body. It strengthens muscles and bones, boosts the immune system and is great for keeping your mood stable and positive.

The sights and smells of the outside world stimulate the senses and exercise the mind too. Dogs love a good sniff around to see what’s been going on, even if their human friends prefer more refined smells. Do some research before you go, to pinpoint a local park or country house with a garden where you can enjoy the scents of plants or flowers – roses relax and lavender lowers anxiety while the smell of pine oils reduces stress. Even if it’s raining, the smells of the outside world can be inspiring. Many people enjoy the scent of a rainstorm itself, with its mix of fresh zingy ozone, aromatic plant oils, and earthy hints of geosmin (a by-product of bacteria and algae that is stirred up as rain hits earth and plant surfaces).

​

Be careful if the weather is particularly hot because both humans and dogs can easily overheat or get sunburned. People with fair or red colouring need to be especially careful not to burn, and most of us need to limit sun exposure, cover up, put on a hat, and regularly apply suncream to block ultraviolet rays. Although many dogs have a thick layer of hairy fur to protect their skin, some are more susceptible to the sun. These include white haired dogs, who tend to have pale skin beneath their fur, and thin-furred or hairless breeds. Just as human noses and ear tips are more exposed and likely to burn, dogs can easily burn the areas of skin surrounding their noses, on their ears and their bellies. When it is very hot, avoid walks in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest, and make sure your pet can always find shade and water when they need it. While slapping on your own sun cream, apply pet-friendly sun cream to the tips of their nose and ears, and to areas of the belly where hair is thin. Be careful too of walking on hot tarmac or paths that might burn delicate paw pads.

Spending too much time out in the heat can result in heat exhaustion, where excessive amounts of water and salts are lost from the body, causing symptoms such as feeling weak, tired or faint, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and intense thirst. In more extreme cases, the body may lose its ability to cool itself. This is called heat stroke, and it can be life-threatening for people and pets. In hot conditions, stop frequently for fluids (water is best – remember to pack a water bowl for your dog) and rest in the shade. Watch your dog closely for signs that they are struggling with the heat and make sure you take steps to prevent them overheating. Dogs control their temperature mostly through respiration as they don’t sweat like humans. If they are struggling to control their temperature you will see them panting furiously.

​

​

Cool the skin down with a wet sponge or rag on the neck, armpits, ear flaps, paw pads or belly, and fan the damp skin to encourage the water to evaporate for an extra cooling effect. Get immediate help if humans or animals become confused, less responsive, collapse or have a seizure. Put them in a safe position flat on the ground (like the recovery position for humans), loosen clothing and continue to sponge with water.

Getting out to see the world is good for us all, and with a little preparation you are very unlikely to come to any harm.